disney cruise muster drill 2023

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What is the compulsory assembly drill?

All Guests must participate in the pre-departure assembly drill to comply with U.S. Coast Guard and international safety regulations. Everyone on board will be notified when the drill is to begin and everyone is required to take part.

You will be asked to follow the instructions heard over the ship's loudspeakers. Once the drill is completed, it's time to set sail!

Learn more about Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to safety.

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This is likely the real reason some cruise lines are returning to in-person muster drills — and it has nothing to do with safety

Is the way many cruise lines handle safety drills at the start of sailings unsafe?

One of the world's biggest cruise operators, Norwegian Cruise Line , suggested as much last week when it changed the way it handled safety briefings on ships.

In a short and somewhat vaguely worded statement, the line cited "the safety of our guests and crew" as the impetus for an abrupt return to mandatory in-person safety drills, known as muster drills, for passengers at the start of sailings.

The in-person drills will take the place of "e-muster" drills that involve passengers reviewing safety information electronically on their smartphones or on cabin televisions on embarkation day.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Still, if there is a safety issue with e-mustering, it's not something that most other lines are seeing, nor is the U.S. Coast Guard, which reviews safety plans for cruise ships.

Over the past four years, many cruise lines have switched from in-person muster drills to e-mustering, calling it a major improvement for passenger comfort while also a better way to do safety briefings from a safety point of view.

The world's two biggest cruise brands, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line , have both said in recent days that they would continue offering e-muster safety briefings on ships, suggesting that it was an innovation of recent years that enhanced passenger safety.

In a statement sent to TPG, Carnival hinted at what could be the real reason that Norwegian is doing away with e-mustering on ships: It requires more staffing to do.

Cruise lines that use e-mustering must position crew members at muster stations for several hours on the first day of a cruise so that passengers can visit the stations for a brief orientation — a requirement of e-mustering. The result is that a significant number of crew members are tied up on embarkation day with the e-mustering process.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

"E-muster requires more staffing resources," Carnival noted in its statement to TPG. "But our experience with the e-muster process has been extremely positive, and we are able to provide our guests with critical safety information in a more individualized manner, including them understanding very specifically where their muster station is and how to get to it."

In other words, Carnival sees the e-muster process as, if anything, safer than the old style of in-person mustering.

"Our implementation [of e-mustering] has also received very positive feedback from the U.S. Coast Guard and other safety experts, as well as generated positive comments for effectiveness from our guests during our post-cruise survey results," Carnival added in its statement to TPG. "We will continue to utilize our e-mustering process while always looking for ways to improve its effectiveness."

In a statement to TPG, Royal Caribbean Group also suggested e-mustering was a better way of doing safety briefings on ships than in-person muster drills.

"Royal Caribbean Group created and implemented the Muster 2.0 experience to improve safety onboard, and enhance the overall guest experience," the company said in the statement. "Royal Caribbean Group and its brands have no plans to change its Muster 2.0 experience, which has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests worldwide."

Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises . It also owns a partial interest in Germany's TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Related: The 8 types of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

Norwegian did not mention staffing issues or cost-cutting in its statement. However, the line's move away from e-mustering comes as it is cutting costs in several other onboard areas by reducing passenger service and amenities.

In recent weeks, Norwegian announced that room stewards on its ships would no longer tidy up cabins twice a day, cutting the servicing of rooms fleetwide to just once per day. It brings to an end an elevated level of service that has been a hallmark of the line for decades.

The line has also recently cut entertainment offerings on ships, closing big-name production shows on vessels, such as "Kinky Boots," that were hallmarks of the brand.

The cutbacks have come even as Norwegian has sharply hiked fees for onboard service as well as other onboard fees. The line pushed through an unprecedented 25% hike in service fees for passengers in most cabins on Jan. 1.

The brand also recently increased the cost of its Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package by about 10%, to $109. The cost of a higher-end drinks package shot up to $138 — the highest level for a drinks package in the cruise business.

The cutbacks to service and hikes to fees are occurring as Norwegian's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, is trying to restore its balance sheet after three years of massive losses. The company also recently laid off about 9% of its shoreside staff.

Other than its short statement on the topic, Norwegian would not comment to TPG about its elimination of e-mustering on ships.

Related: Why we love Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Prima

"The safety of our guests and crew members is our number one priority," was the specific wording of Norwegian's statement. "We continuously evaluate our procedures for providing detailed instructions on safety and security measures to our guests, and as such have made the decision to reinstate synchronized, in-person muster drills on embarkation day across all vessels within the fleet."

A spokesperson for Norwegian told TPG the line had nothing to add on the topic at this time.

In addition to Norwegian Cruise Line, two sister brands owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings — Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — also have returned to in-person muster drills.

One other major line, Disney Cruise Line, also switched back to in-person muster drills in November, citing safety.

"We regularly review our processes and made the decision to return to in-person assembly drills in November to ensure all crew members and guests are fully aware of our safety procedures in the event of an emergency," the line said in a statement sent to TPG.

Royal Caribbean Group was the first cruise company to implement an e-mustering system on ships, after developing the technology over the past decade. The new system has won widespread praise from cruise passengers and industry watchers, including an innovation award from TPG .

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Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is Muster?

“Muster” or “Muster Drill” is a nautical term for onboard safety instruction. You might hear other cruise lines or even Disney Cruise Line sometimes refer to this as the “assembly drill,” “assembly,” “safety drill,” or “lifeboat drill.” Whatever term is used, a safety lesson is required by the Coast Guard just prior to setting sail on every cruise ship.

Most Disney Cruise Line musters take place at 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. with the exact time noted in the DCL Navigator App. Your “muster station” or “assembly station” (your meeting place) will be noted on your DCL room key (also known your Key to the World Card). Most muster stations are outdoors on the lifeboat deck, but some may take place in the ship’s main auditorium or in a restaurant. Information conveyed by crew members will include emergency procedures and instructions on how to wear your life jacket.

Note that during the immediate post-pandemic return to sailing, DCL offered a virtual version of the muster drill. While some cruise lines may still allow virtual muster, all Disney assembly drills are now in person.

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is an offshoot of our “ Disney in a Minute ” posts. “In a Jiffy” posts are bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney Cruise (DCL) line term or planning topic. Have a question about a DCL term that is unfamiliar to you? Suggest it here for an upcoming segment.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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Disney Cruise Line Bringing Back In-Person Muster Drills

Disney Cruise Line is bringing back the in-person muster drills where groups gather at their assembly stations at a designated time, removing the ability to complete the process through the Disney Cruise Line navigator app.

What’s Happening:

• Disney Cruise Line  passengers will once again take part in mandatory muster drills, including in-person assembly at a scheduled time, and are set to return to cruises in the very near future.
• Disney Cruise Line has shared that they regularly review their processes and have made the decision to reintroduce the in-person assembly drills.
• Saturday, Nov. 12: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy
• Monday, Nov. 14: Disney Wish
• Wednesday, Nov. 16: Disney Wonder
• Sunday, Nov. 20: Disney Magic
• This transition will ensure all Crew Members and Guests are fully aware of our safety procedures in the event of an emergency. The DCL Navigator App will continue to notify Guests of their assigned assembly station, provide directions for getting to their location and share additional safety information with Guests.
• One COVID Change on not just Disney Cruise Line, but in the industry in general that was surprisingly well received was the change to the muster drill. Disney (and others) have used self-guided muster drills through their app that they can perform in a designated window, and they will be led to a crew member to check-in and complete the process after several videos and tutorials. Disney Cruise Line is among the, if not the first cruise line to return to the mass assembly muster drill format.

Much-Hated Requirement Returns to Disney Cruise Line

in Disney Cruise Line

Over the weekend, Disney Cruise Line resumed in-person safety drills onboard some of their cruise ships. This was reinstated after previous COVID restrictions enabled the need to have this process completed virtually.

These drills, also known as “muster drills,” are a way for Disney Cruise Line to ensure Guests’ safety by making sure Guests know what to do in the event of an emergency. This also complies with U.S. Coast Guard and international safety regulations.

Related: Disney Cruise Line Updates COVID Vaccination and Testing Policies For Upcoming Trips 

Previously, when there were still COVID concerns onboard, as well as reduced capacity, Guests were able to go to a designated muster station, check in virtually on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, and then watch a safety video.

Now, as COVID restrictions are being lifted on the Cruise Lines, this process will once again be done in person, as it started this past weekend on November 12.

Related: Disney Cruises Are Becoming as Crowded as the Parks

Disney Cruise Line announced these changes in a message sent to travel agents and advisors:

We regularly review our processes and have made the decision to reintroduce the in-person assembly drills. All Guests will be required to report to their assigned assembly station in person at the scheduled time on embarkation day, beginning on the following sailings: Saturday, Nov. 12: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy Monday, Nov. 14: Disney Wish Wednesday, Nov. 16: Disney Wonder Sunday, Nov. 20: Disney Magic This transition will ensure all Crew Members and Guests are fully aware of our safety procedures in the event of an emergency. The DCL Navigator App will continue to notify Guests of their assigned assembly station, provide directions for getting to their location and share additional safety information with Guests.

Although Disney Cruise Line Guests may hate or feel inconvenienced by these drills, they are vital to keeping everyone safe, as safety is one of Disney’s key tenets.

Per Disney, these Guest Assembly Drills entail the following:

Before departing on each cruise, we hold a mandatory assembly drill for guests, providing important instructions on what would be required of passengers in the event of an actual emergency. Crew services are suspend ed during the drill, and attendance for guests is required. We use a state-of-the-art automated system to account for guests checked-in at assembly stations.

You can read more about Disney’s commitment to safety, which includes these Guest Assembly drills, along with safety management, crew training, and crew drills, on Disney Cruise Line’s safety information webpage .

Have you been on a Disney Cruise recently? Which of the safety drill processes did you enjoy more? Share your thoughts below!

Cruise Line Brings Back In-Person Muster Drill

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• November 14, 2022

Disney Cruise Line has learned that just because something is made quicker and easier doesn’t mean that people will be more inclined to do it.

The line is bringing back in-person muster drills on all of its ships due to a reported lack of willingness from passengers to do the digital safety drills that have been in place since the line resumed voyages in 2021.

In an update to travel agents, Disney said “We regularly review our processes and have made the decision to reintroduce the in-person assembly drills. All Guests will be required to report to their assigned assembly station in person at the scheduled time on embarkation day.”

In-person muster drills have already resumed on Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Wish. They will be returning on November 16th on Disney Wonder and on November 20th on Disney Magic.

The update continued, “This transition will ensure all Crew Members and Guests are fully aware of our safety procedures in the event of an emergency. The DCL Navigator App will continue to notify Guests of their assigned assembly station, provide directions for getting to their location and share additional safety information with Guests.”

MORE: Carnival Venezia 2023 Voyages Released, Includes a Sailing With 9 Sea Days

When cruise lines resumed sailings following the cruise industry shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coast Guard allowed them to implement a muster drill process that was mostly digital. In most cases, passengers would watch a video detailing where life jackets were, how to put them on, and where to find the map to each muster station. The only physical part of the drill was when guests had to check into their muster station within a certain timeframe so they knew where it was. This was designed to streamline the process and prevent large crowds from forming at each station.

As of right now, cruise companies have been allowed to keep their e-muster procedures and most have with positive passenger feedback. Disney Cruise Line, however, is going back to in-person muster drills to ensure that every guest participates fully and knows exactly what they should do in case of an emergency.

It’s unknown whether the Coast Guard will eventually require all U.S.-based cruise lines to go back to this form of safety drill.

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Tag Archives: Muster Drill

In-Person Guest Assembly Muster Drills Returning

Disney Cruise Line is bringing back traditional guest assembly drills on embarkation day. Going forward, all guests will be required to report to their assigned assembly station in person at Continue Reading →

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Hi! Can you please explain how the new Muster Drill works. How does it work with the Navigator App? Thank you! ”

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Norwegian Cruise Line Reverses Decision on Muster Drills

Two months after switching back to traditional muster drills, Norwegian Cruise Line has changed its mind yet again. The cruise line will be returning to e-musters starting in April.

In a letter to booked passengers and forwarded to TMR by an NCL spokesperson, the cruise line wrote “In an effort to enhance the onboard guest experience while keeping the safety of our guests and crew our top priority, we will reinstate e-muster drills through our online check-in for sailings beginning April 1, 2023.

The rollback to e-musters will take place throughout the month, with different ships returning to e-musters on different dates.

E-musters were introduced to the industry when Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises became two of the first lines to return to sailing after the COVID-19 pause. All the other cruise lines soon offered their own version of the e-muster.

While most cruise lines have stuck with the e-musters Disney Cruise Line (in November 2022) and Norwegian Cruise Line (in January 2023), along with sister brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises decided to return to traditional muster drills. At the time the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands cited safety and security as their reason for the switch. (According to cruise line spokespersons, Oceania never actually did return to traditional musters and Regent Seven Seas has already returned to e-musters.)

In the move back to e-musters Norwegian Cruise Line referred to the drills as a best practice.

“We are committed to delivering an exceptional and safe experience on board and, as such, will continue to actively evaluate and modify our processes for best practices.”

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Will the muster drill process ever change?

• Thread starter randumb0
• Start date Dec 14, 2023

It could end up curdled

• Dec 15, 2023

ddonner said: Royal Caribbean/Celebrity has the best way to do it! On Embarkation morning, you watch a couple of videos on their app, and it marks on the system that you watched it. Once onboard, you go to your station. There is ONE crew member scanning everyone's cards/QR codes from each stateroom, and that's it! That way, you make sure everyone knows where to go AND free up the crew. There is NO reason for Disney to make us go through this. It is those telling details that show that Disney's business is NOT cruising... Click to expand...

DIS Veteran

Dug720 said: This. If I'm remembering correctly, the Costa Concordia disaster - which took place before mandatory prior to sailing muster drills - happened after some passers had boarded (it was a multi-leg sailing with people joining at different ports) and they had not yet conducted their drill when the disaster struck. So you had a bunch of people who had no clue where they were supposed to go which only added to the chaos. Click to expand...

hrhdhd said: No muster can adequately prepare people for chaos. Click to expand...

We recently cruised Celebrity, we had to both pre-watch the drill, then we had to report to our muster station. They were very strict about each person in the cabin had to check in. They also announced those who missed the drill had to report ASAP.  

Bibbidi_Boo

kiford said: But multiple muster drills can more adequately prepare those in charge of emergencies and give them experience in managing crowds, chaos and confusion. Drills are as much for the crew as for the evacuees. Click to expand...

Bibbidi_Boo said: Even with in person people will still not know where to go and what to do. Look around and most are barely paying attention. Click to expand...

Mouseketeer

I agree 100% with a couple of the previous posters that the muster drills are as much for the crews as the guests. We are platinum so have been on a few Disney cruises. We always see the crew training while we are sailing in addition to the muster drills. I am sure at least some of the training is mandatory by regulation so I assume other cruise lines do the same. Seeing the additional training does give me confidence that the crew is ready for emergencies. The more training the better. As previously posted you never know how a crew member or even passengers will act in an real emergency.  

Visiting the Magic Since 1973

jdb in AZ said: On a different note, the muster drill on a river cruise basically told us that in case of emergency, grab a life jacket and swim for shore. Click to expand...

JLTraveling

• Dec 18, 2023

hrhdhd said: I'll stand by my statement even for crew. No one knows how she will behave in a true emergency until it happens. Click to expand...

Not unless it can be guaranteed that every single Guest will do the right thing and know what they have to do/where to go in an emergency  

MamaMermaid

As someone who survived a sinking cruise ship (MS Sea Diamond), I think it's beneficial to do in person drills.  

Enjoying the Magic

My problem with the in person is historically it's hot, sun is in your eye, you can't hear anything that is being stated, and since I'm tall I'm usually made to stand in the back so even if the sun wasn't in my eye, I wouldn't see anything. Counter that with Carnival who has the whole family immediately go to the muster station upon boarding, scan each individual card, watch in a comfortable location where you can see and hear, and you are done within 5-10 minutes of arrival. I'd choose Carnival's method anytime. I do still however cruise on Disney. I just grumble as I know I probably will stand in the sun waiting for folks that didn't show up and not hear or see anything.  

ThinkTink91

Earning my ears.

ddonner said: That way, you make sure everyone knows where to go AND free up the crew. There is NO reason for Disney to make us go through this. It is those telling details that show that Disney's business is NOT cruising... Click to expand...

Dug720 said: If I'm remembering correctly, the Costa Concordia disaster - which took place before mandatory prior to sailing muster drills - happened after some passers had boarded (it was a multi-leg sailing with people joining at different ports) and they had not yet conducted their drill when the disaster struck. Click to expand...

<font color=darkgreen>Nuts are good<br><font color

wide awake said: This. I’ve been on Carnival, Princess, Cunard, and DCL this year, DCL was the only line requiring the old drill and I can tell you I wouldn’t have been any better prepared for an emergency on Disney than on the others. It’s poor customer service on their part. Click to expand...

CMontheseas

Oceaneer forever.

Former Assembly Station Leader here, DCL (like other cruise lines) routinely has US Coast Guard inspections where they come on board to observe our drills. Based on how much we were brutally lectured about this from the Safety officers on board, lets say the crew weren't doing as well during the times of the Virtual Muster. We also were reporting less guests overall actually taking the Virtual Muster seriously and having to contact these staterooms individually afterwards ended up being more time-consuming than just going back to this older format. Management explained to us that since DCL voyages are mostly comprised of first time cruisers moreso than with the other cruise lines, it was important to have that physical experience of gathering families together in these spaces especially for us to be able to observe the people we have and see ahead of time who we can count on to follow instructions when needed, and the ones who might need extra assistance, or even those who might grumble and be a bigger problem in the event of a real emergency. Remember that none of the crew really enjoy doing it (except for just a few douchebags over the years that really like to look important and yell at lower ranking crew) but it's part of what we signed up for. The in-person muster sucks while its happening but having been through 2 nighttime "Red Parties" scenarios where we had guests in the stations in low light it helps to have even a few people who pay attention and know where they're going.  

PrincessShmoo

Dis veteran.

CMontheseas said: Former Assembly Station Leader here, DCL (like other cruise lines) routinely has US Coast Guard inspections where they come on board to observe our drills. Based on how much we were brutally lectured about this from the Safety officers on board, lets say the crew weren't doing as well during the times of the Virtual Muster. We also were reporting less guests overall actually taking the Virtual Muster seriously and having to contact these staterooms individually afterwards ended up being more time-consuming than just going back to this older format. Management explained to us that since DCL voyages are mostly comprised of first time cruisers moreso than with the other cruise lines, it was important to have that physical experience of gathering families together in these spaces especially for us to be able to observe the people we have and see ahead of time who we can count on to follow instructions when needed, and the ones who might need extra assistance, or even those who might grumble and be a bigger problem in the event of a real emergency. Remember that none of the crew really enjoy doing it (except for just a few douchebags over the years that really like to look important and yell at lower ranking crew) but it's part of what we signed up for. The in-person muster sucks while its happening but having been through 2 nighttime "Red Parties" scenarios where we had guests in the stations in low light it helps to have even a few people who pay attention and know where they're going. Click to expand...

Wooden leg named Smith...

• Dec 19, 2023

PrincessShmoo said: Thank you for this info. I always look around "my" lifeboat group to see who's paying attention. Click to expand...

It's money. I do not believe that Disney has higher standards when it comes to safety than other cruiselines. I do not believe that Disney guests are worse than guests on other cruiselines. I do not believe that in person is better for families, so the young ones know what to do in an emergency. You need to show children several times, and explain what is going on. A one time muster drill isn't going to teach them much. I do not believe that many families go over with the children what is going on during a muster drill. Parents probably just drag their children to the meeting place and tell them to shut up and listen. And because the waiting takes long (in a child's mind), they get restless, start fussing around, so by the time the actual drill starts... the parente are distracted as well. My last drill was standing on deck, listening to a CM shouting as her mic wasnt working (and she didn't know or care how to fix it), what I could hear was her trying to play games while we waited. She didn't give any other instructions, unlike the CM next to us. Then the horn blasted and we could go back to our cruise. So... in my opinion: Disney prioritizes money over guest convenience and guest satisfaction.  

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In person Muster Drills changing 4/1/2023?

By nmuller328 , March 20, 2023 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Seeing some talk on other sites that NCL has notified TA's that E Muster Drills are returning starting April 1, 2023.  

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Here' an update you might like:

Muster Drills Update In an effort to enhance the onboard guest experience while keeping the safety of our guests and crew our top priority, we will reinstate e-muster drills through our online check-in for sailings beginning April 1, 2023. We are committed to delivering an exceptional and safe experience on board and, as such, will continue to actively evaluate and modify our processes for best practices. Please stay tuned for more information regarding effective dates for specific ships throughout the month of April.

Thanks Fingers cross they decide to start it early- we cruise on Sunday. 

well, this explains why I had to watch the safety video during checkin today. 

this seems like the old good news/bad news. good news e-muster drills.... bad news, for some inexplicable reason, ncl will make you watch and watch and watch the same minute and a half video at least 5 separate times

2 minutes ago, complawyer said: this seems like the old good news/bad news. good news e-muster drills.... bad news, for some inexplicable reason, ncl will make you watch and watch and watch the same minute and a half video at least 5 separate times

oh, how I missed that for my cruise in Feb…:).  

i didnt mind the in person muster drills before, it was a d**n good way to catch a few extra zzzzz's before the ship took off. beside after a while of the crew person droning on and on you kind of tune out anyway

Coastalbreezes

4 hours ago, scar4711 said: well, this explains why I had to watch the safety video during checkin today. 

Watching the video has been a mandatory part of check-in since the restart so it's nothing new.

RocketMan275

8 hours ago, nmuller328 said: Seeing some talk on other sites that NCL has notified TA's that E Muster Drills are returning starting April 1, 2023.  

Excellent.  The inpersonmuster drills were a farce.  Impossible to hear or see the presentation.  Watch the video, prove you're enough of an adult to find the muster station, card in and leave.  

FWIW, Royal Caribbean and Carnival never reinstated the inpersonmuster drill.  

4 hours ago, Coastalbreezes said: Watching the video has been a mandatory part of check-in since the restart so it's nothing new.

actually we're cruising this coming weekend & have not been sent links to watch the videos, now in Oct & Dec 22- we did. I believe the in person drill started in Feb and no video viewing during check in. 

4 minutes ago, nmuller328 said: actually we're cruising this coming weekend & have not been sent links to watch the videos, now in Oct & Dec 22- we did. I believe the in person drill started in Feb and no video viewing during check in. 

You didn’t have a video to watch during your check in? It’s a little over a minute long.   

I checked in Friday for a 04/07/2023 sailing and had to watch that video but I just figured they forgot to remove it from the check in process. 

We checked in for a 4/9 sailing yesterday and had to watch the video.

14 minutes ago, nmuller328 said: actually we're cruising this coming weekend & have not been sent links to watch the videos, now in Oct & Dec 22- we did. I believe the in person drill started in Feb and no video viewing during check in. 

On the January 28 Escape cruise, we had in person muster drill that was a cluster you know what. AND still had to watch the video during check in.

I’ll happily watch the video 20 times in lieu of standing inches from others for 48 minutes hearing about everything but the muster drill.

So far I’m not seeing this announcement anywhere but here and the other social media site.  We’ll have to wait for an official announcement from NCL since it’s not on their website either. 

5 hours ago, Coastalbreezes said: Watching the video has been a mandatory part of check-in since the restart so it's nothing new.

not  true. they removed watching the video when they went back to in-person musters.. for my February cruise, there was no video... and well... it broke things too by removing said video 🙂

Cruise line listens to customers. Makes change for the better. What a concept!

And now I grab my big bucket o popcorn and wait for the posts saying we are all going to die because of this. 

1 hour ago, styles27 said: You didn’t have a video to watch during your check in? It’s a little over a minute long.    I checked in Friday for a 04/07/2023 sailing and had to watch that video but I just figured they forgot to remove it from the check in process. 

There was no video to watch for our check in. we sail next Saturday.

This would be fantastic. The E-muster is such a smoother, easier process and the best thing to come out of COVID for cruising, imo. Sailing in 27 days, so fingers crossed!

11 minutes ago, lfdemt said: There was no video to watch for our check in. we sail next Saturday.

Interesting. So the fact that we did have to watch a video when checking in last Friday the 17th of March, may indicate there is some truth to this rumor. Fingers crossed there is 🤞

We leave the 25th, the last old in person muster sailing for the escape, I am hoping (knowing its not likely) that they do a hybrid type muster.  You can go to your muster station anytime before sailing, and then watch the video presented by the crew (since we didn't have that option during check in), they check us off the list and we go on our merry way.  Sounds reasonable to me!

This is very good news, not that I ever had a bad experience with in person muster.

We had this last summer on Joy and we liked it!

We boarded around 11am and went immediately to make our reservations for shows and specialty dining and then went to our muster station to check in.

We were done with our chores and sitting for lunch in Taste/Savor by 12PM.

We're sailing Joy again in July and that will be the plan once again.

Sticking to virtual mustering again, but it is still going to be announced - the CD conducted the drill while we're onboard on our last 4 cruises within the past years ... made for a better overall experience without the massive gathering.  Maybe, someone figured it out for their convenience, not ours, and that it still comply with various regulations, including the USCG ... since other cruise lines are okay with it.  

With fewer crew members onboard these days, this does make sense - and some of us will probably see our checked luggage, hmmm, a little faster and the stateroom attendants can get the remaining cabins ready sooner than later.  

Frankie is going to claim credits for this as one of his accomplishments, LOL.  

3 minutes ago, mking8288 said: With fewer crew members onboard these days, this does make sense - and some of us will probably see our checked luggage, hmmm, a little faster and the stateroom attendants can get the remaining cabins ready sooner than later.     Frankie is going to claim credits for this as one of his accomplishments, LOL.  

I hadn't thought of this, but you're right!

It will allow the crew to get us up and running a little more efficiently.

SpacemanSpiff

Why am I concerned that it's effective April 1?   🤔

CILCIANRQTS

1 hour ago, justhappy said: On the January 28 Escape cruise, we had in person muster drill that was a cluster you know what. AND still had to watch the video during check in. I’ll happily watch the video 20 times in lieu of standing inches from others for 48 minutes hearing about everything but the muster drill.

Ditto from the Epic 3/12 sailing. Meeting place for many groups was in the casino. We didn’t even have a sight line to the demo, and it was too loud with pax talking to hear the demonstration. We got no info on which boat we were assigned to. If the ship is going down, I’m rushing to my boat, not the casino!! 

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